The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1887-08-05
A GORGEOUS PALACE.
Description OF the Charming Aaa6o
Gardens Of the King Of siam

The Summer Palace of the King, the
Mango Gardens Is considered the hand
soonest place in Siam. The main build
ing is erected in the style OF 4 French
chateau and is surrounded with grounds
laid off with great skill by landscape
gardener, paths winding in serpentine
sinuosity in every direction, flowers Of all
kinds fill the air with perfume, and TO add
to the charms of the place miniature
lakes, dotted over with lotus plants in
blossom, flash their sparkling waters in
the sunshl
These lakes are fed from the river that
flows in front of the palace, which to-
gether with the yard is enclosed 10y 4 wall
containing 4 number of handsome build
ings set apart for the various wives of the
King Through the kindness of the gar
dener in charge i was shown through the
palace, the King being absent he not
staying there more than q month during
the year.
The palace is built of teak and other
costly woods the walls paneled most
handsomely; the hard wood polished
like a mirror, bringing out the grain
the ceiling lofty, laid off in handsome de-
signs and most elaborately gilded the
floors a mosaic of various woods also
highly polished, each room different
design, while the broad flight of steps
that lead to the second story-the sleep
ing apartments - is simply grand, in
keeping with the magnifcence Of the in
terror.
The Kings chamber, bathrooms, etc,
were worthy Of the abode OF royalty, and
his couch a thing of beauty il not "a Joy
forever 1t was made OF rare wood and
carved in the most exquisite designs,
draped with rare lace fringed with gold
a gold embroidered spread covered the
bed; the pillows and holsters were also
hemmed with lace, and above il swung a
handsome punka to keep him cool. 1t
seemed more like work OF art TO please
the eve than the resting place of one who
courted slumber, surcease of business
and trouble ariZing from the control of
over 7,OOO,OO0 people.
In some of the rooms we noticed some
very handsome furniture and pictures
costly tables, crystal and alablster vases,
etc, though the place WAS dismantled
during the absence of royalty. 1t is a
place that one tired of power and the
world would retire to Tor month and
live in elysium or Oriental ease. In the
center of several OF the lakes handsome
pavilions are erected, where the band
discourscs music, and on their ripping
surface float bargrs ready TO bear the
wives and children or family of the King,
when he concludes 10 pass his time
there.
Scattered throughout the gardens are
cages containing monkeys, birds, etc,
th5t add not little to the picturesque
ne>s Of the scene. For over an hour our
parry strulicd through the wrl!-k-pt
grounds and gardens, lifty men being
constantly employed in b'-tutIiyins and
kcrplug them ia oricr. Amid u grove OF
r.Ir,-,t iDiIi.st-. musical with birds, Is a
handsome Italian monument, erected 10
the m.mUry ui the Late queen, who was
drowned by the sinking Of 4 yacht,
erected by the King, and by his special
direction kept IN the ncatest order.
As our time WIS limited We could see
hut portion OF the beauties OF this lovely
place. IL would take column TO speak
~ length Of the various PALACES that are
scattered over the grounds, the Oriental
watch and bell-tower that stands ike a
giant sentinel towering over all, the hand
some, wat, built like a Gothic cathedral,
with stained glass windows, but the shrill
whistle OF our steam launch reminds us
that time Is up, ~, 80! with sigh OF re-
gret, our party left the lovely Mango
Gardens, It's world of flowers, its fragrant
atmosphere and paradisical beauty-an
elySium where one could dream liie
away, the Ncpcuthe OF the poet, where
no raven will ever sit on pallid bust of
Pallas," but eternal sunshine gilds the
velvet curtains and casts glory on the
glistening floors.